1. Temecula Valley: The reigning Southwestern League and CIF-SS Eastern dual champs don’t return many who have wrestled past CIF finals, so it’s “next man up” for a Golden Bears program known for its depth and ability to reload.

2. Vista Murrieta: The Broncos return almost their entire starting lineup, including three wrestlers ranked in the top 30 in the state. This could be one of the most serious threats Temecula has faced in its long domination of the SWL.

3. Riverside King: The arrival of brothers Luke and Peter Troy from San Marino, and the return of Adrian Salgado and Austin Wilson make the Wolves the Big VIII League favorite, as well as boosting tournament and postseason prospects.

4. Hemet: After dropping the Mountain Pass dual crown to Citrus Hill, the Bulldogs came on strong at the end of the year to place atop the Eastern Individuals. With eight starters back – including four Masters returners – they could pick up right where they left off.

5. Perris Citrus Hill: Last year’s CIF success – runner-up in Eastern duals and individuals – could be hard to duplicate with several top seniors gone. But the Hawks should have enough talent to mount a strong Mountain Pass League title defense and develop as the season progresses.

6. Moreno Valley Canyon Springs: Reigning Inland Valley League champs lost their state qualifiers, but gained some new talent to pair with top returner Jeremy Carroll. Coach Jason Lowe said this year’s team should be even stronger and might take a run at the Eastern duals after sitting them out last year.

7. Corona Centennial: No state returners and just one Masters qualifier, Josh Adams, is back. But with a core of all juniors and seniors, the Huskies should be as formidable as ever in the Big VIII and the postseason.

8. Yucaipa: Another Citrus Belt League dual title should be the Thunderbirds’ to lose, but getting their top individuals into the postseason remains the primary goal. Three Masters qualifiers return to anchor the squad.

9. Bloomington: The Bruins’ Sunkist League and Central Division Individual titles were heavily fueled by seniors last year. But with three Masters returners and some new blood in the wings, Bloomington still opens as the No. 2-ranked dual squad in the Central.

10. Temescal Canyon: After Masters returners Isaiah Tafolla and Austin Cuicchi, the Titans are very young, but Coach Kylle Little said the future could be now for a squad intent on taking back the Sunbelt League title and building on last year’s run to the Eastern dual semis.